[ale] New Build - Plex Server Transcoding - NAS

[DJ-Pfulio]

Thanks for the reply.  Hadn't considered GPU-based transcoding at all.  My GPUs
tend to be built-in or dog slow. It isn't a priority.

I don't think any transcoding happens using a GPU by plex - it is all CPU. They
appear to care about OSX and if it doesn't work there too, they don't seem
likely to add it. If ffmpeg support for GPU workloads becomes standard, I can
see that being used by Plex.  That could be Quick Sync or openCL.

Spent some time comparing the Pentium G3258 to some current machines here.  All
have VT-x support, which I didn't expect from the Pentium. Only expect to give
it 2G of RAM.  Hummmm.

Pentium G3258 - 45W vs
  Core i7-920 - 135W - 3x less $/W; 20% slower, 40% faster single threads
  Core i5-750 - 95W - about the same perf
  C2D E8400 - 65W - 2x faster approx.
  C2 X6800 - 65W - 2x faster approx.

The i7 is a tiny bit faster, has more cores, but I'm seeing overheat warnings
with it and the power bill is noticeable when it is running.

The i5 is very comparable to the Pentium in performance, but has more cores.
It is impressive what $130 can get today.  The AMD option is still very
impressive too.

I've ordered the Intel.

The X6800 is going away soon.  The E8400 will likely be split up for parts for
this new MB/CPU.


On 02/26/2015 11:54 AM, Boris Borisov wrote:
> How much this trans-coder rely on GPU or just CPU instructions set?
> I've read something recently but forgot most of it. In general all nowdays GPU
> supports video transcoding of some type but is that used in Plex server
> . As far I remember Intel GPU was faster on tests but quality suffer ...
> 
> On Thu, Feb 26, 2015 at 10:14 AM, DJ-Pfulio <djpfulio at jdpfu.com
> <mailto:djpfulio at jdpfu.com>> wrote:
> 
>     So I'm replacing some components in my Plex Server / NAS to better support the
>     mandatory on-the-fly transcoding that a chromecast demands - why they don't
>     support AC3 audio, I don't know.  Plus the current AMD E-350 will be repurposed
>     as a pfSense machine.
> 
>     So I'm looking at 2 different systems and would love some comments.
> 
>     a) AMD-based $91 - passmark 2604
>        GIGABYTE GA-AM1M-S2H Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
>        AMD 5350 2.05Ghz Quad-Core Processor
> 
>     b) Intel-based $126 - passmark 4028
>        Gigabyte GA-H81M-HD3 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
>        Pentium G3258 Processor - Haswell
> 
>     For just a little more money, the Haswell CPU on the Intel is impressive. That
>     MB has display-port/TosLink too (it was more money) - but the AMD has a better
>     GPU. I don't game on PCs, so that isn't important to me.
> 
>     A comparison site:
>        http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Pentium-G3258-vs-AMD-Athlon-5350
>     Not really fair - but the Intel CPU is only $7 more cost, so it isn't THAT
>     unfair.
> 
>     There are some newegg combos that are amazing with the AMD board and AMD-5350:
>     * with 4G of RAM added for $117
>     * with Case $128
>     * w/ 1T WD-Blue $138
> 
>     Didn't see any great combo deals on the Intel CPU, tho a few with SSDs and PC
>     games/AV were offered. BTW, I was initially looking at the G3220 GPU, but the
>     G3258 was a no-brainer.
> 
>     Didn't want all the Raspberry Pi 2 people having all the cheap fun here. These
>     cheap machines (especially the AMDs!) are really impressive for many home uses.
> 
>     I'm still checking on reported Linux issues with these ...
> 
>     -- Got Linux? Used on smartphones, tablets, desktop computers, media centers,
>     and servers by kids, Moms, Dads, grandparents and IT professionals.
>